Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises Applied With Virtual Reality-Based Telerehabilitation in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

A total of 80 patients, aged between 20 and 60 years, diagnosed with non-specific low back pain and not meeting the exclusion criteria, who registered at the outpatient clinics of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, between June 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025, were planned to be included in our thesis study, which was planned to be prospective, randomized and single-blind. After the patients are informed verbally and in writing about the purpose, duration and application method of the study and their consent is obtained, they will be asked to sign the "Informed Consent Form". Patient evaluation and follow-up forms will be filled out during pre-treatment and post-treatment follow-ups. After patients who meet the study inclusion criteria are included in the study, they will be numbered according to the order of application and then randomly assigned to the intervention group or control group by a computer program into 2 groups. In addition to a brochure containing patient education, showing the application method of core stabilization exercises, the number of sets and repetitions, the intervention group (G1) will receive a back school program in a total of 2 sessions of videoconference interviews, and the exercises will be explained to them, supported by visuals and videos. In addition, patients will be provided with the application that will be provided with your support, and will be provided with core stabilization exercises 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The control group (G2) will receive a brochure that includes patient education, showing the application method of core stabilization exercises, the number of sets and repetitions, as well as a face-to-face back school program in our hospital for a total of 2 sessions. The exercise program will be carried out face to face, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, at the Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, under the supervision of a physician, with each exercise session being in groups of 8 people.

The Effect of Neuroscience-Based Exercise Training on Shooting Performance and Neuromuscular Performance in Archers

Archery is a sport that demands sport-specific motor performance, emphasizing fine motor control, postural stability, balance, and concentration skills. Athletes aim to deliver the arrow to the target by ensuring maximum stability with minimal body movement during shooting. While muscle strength, upper extremity endurance, and overall body stability are among the primary factors influencing performance, many other parameters also determine shooting success. Studies investigating muscle activity in archery have demonstrated that the primary muscle groups involved in shooting are the scapular muscles, shoulder girdle muscles, and forearm muscles. These muscles are activated at varying levels to facilitate target focus and play an active role in shooting by contributing to postural and scapular stabilization. Additionally, core muscles enhance movement capacity by centrally stabilizing the body during motion. Activation of pelvic-region muscles, in particular, contributes to improved balance skills, thereby making a meaningful impact on performance. Archers are expected to maintain stability by minimizing movement during shooting and to rapidly adapt to postural instability that may arise during aiming. Every involuntary movement decreases stability and makes it harder to hit the center of the target. In this context, executing motor actions with high precision and developing adaptive responses to postural instability are of great importance. One of the core components of the balance system-the visual system-also significantly affects performance. During postural sway, visual stabilization plays a critical role; as the distance to the target increases, displacements on the retina become larger, making visual focusing more challenging. Moreover, to make the shooting decision at the right moment, it is essential to maintain visual concentration effectively. In this project, while no intervention will be applied to the control group, archers using classical bows in the exercise group will participate in a six-week neuroscience-based exercise program. The program includes scapular and core stabilization, balance training, gaze stabilization, and NeuroTracker training. This six-week program is designed to be progressive and holistic, and its effects will be investigated. Muscle activity will be analyzed through EMG, postural sway will be assessed using the ProKin TecnoBody 252 stabilometric platform, clinical upper extremity balance will be evaluated with the Y Balance Test, eye tracking will be measured using the Pupil headset (Pupil Labs), and spinal stabilization endurance will be assessed through the Biering-Sorensen Test, Lateral Bridge Test, and the Step Test. Shooting performance will be evaluated based on target paper scores. Statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS version 28. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods will be utilized. Within the scope of descriptive statistics, participants' demographic characteristics and other key variables will be summarized using mean (X̄), standard deviation (SD), frequency (n), and percentage (%). The findings will be evaluated at a significance level of p\<0.05. The study will include a comprehensive analysis using objective measurement methods. In the literature, no previous study has approached neuroscience-based exercise interventions for archers in such a comprehensive and multidimensional manner. This project aims not only to enhance athletic performance but also to prevent shoulder, scapular, and upper extremity injuries that may result from repetitive shooting movements. This research will be one of the first comprehensive studies to address balance, muscle activity, and cognitive performance in archery holistically, offering an original and scientifically valuable contribution to the sports science literature.